Served areas

Unspoilt two room place hidden well away from civilization with a thatch roof, dating, I understand, only from the late 1930s. The left side is larger with some dining and a grandfather clock. The smaller right room with oak wood panelling was where most of the locals were congregated. Large grassed garden overlooking the fields looked like an ideal summer’s spot. Dart board and a quiz night (Weds) advertised. Very overtly dog friendly and also child friendly. A number of stillaged barrels behind the bar; Palmers Copper (fair), Ringwood Best and Stonehenge Danish Dynamite (good nick). Didn’t spot the resident cider. Wacky licensees and offbeat locals may not suit everyone but I enjoyed it. A minor classic this one, worth planning a trip to sample. 8.5

17th December 2011 : A thatched and brick pub in a picturesque village which could well feature in an Agatha Christie romp. On inspection, the pub is probably newer than it looks, but I’m no architectural historian, and it hardly matters anyway.
Two bars, left and right . Public to the right, with the beaters from the local shoot on a December Saturday lunchtime. Tellingly, the guns weren’t in the long and narrow saloon bar. That aside, this bar was busy with diners and their (and the pub’s)dogs. Forewarned, I knew that beer was served direct from the cask-in my mind the best way to serve southern ale. On our pre Christmas visit, I enjoyed Palmers Copper Ale, and Banks Mild, together with a seasonal oddity in the form of Nutz from Bowmans Brewery,which made use of chestnuts and an old Corsican recipe.
Apart from the excellent beer and repartee from the landlord, we were disappointed with both the size and price of the meals:Thirteen quid for a small plate of admittedly tasty risotto is too much for a country pub in my view.
I’m a hardy soul, and outdoor bogs are no problem, but the ladies did not appreciate ‘em, I’m afraid.On the whole, I enjoyed this pub, but wouldn’t come back to eat, unfortunately.
21st December 2015
Beer in grand form, the food seemed to be better value, with larger helpings. Friendly landlord and dogs.

On 22nd December 2015
- no rating submitted[User has posted 233 recommendations about 232 pubs]

Village hidden away from anywhere but a good find. Beer is served from barrels and tastes good, although only 3 ales on when visisted. The pub has a lot of dogs wandering around, the beer garden is nice but could do with tidying up a bit. Still a good pub though.